Blocking Out Writers Block by Cam

 

Blocking Out Writers Block

written by Cam Cavaliere


Writer’s block is one of the most common things that many of us struggle with as writers, myself included. It’s not that I don’t have the ideas to write, it's just that when it comes time to write that big paper, there are times when my mind goes completely blank. The idea of writer’s block itself is one that curates many metaphorical images in the mind, for some it's a blank page, for me it’s like my mind has been cut off from my typing hands, a physical block separating the two. 


I know this isn’t an uncommon experience, my students and fellow graduate student friends all share stories about how they struggle with this issue too. Even the most popular and acclaimed professional writers struggle with writer’s block. But how do we get past the stage of simply staring at the blinking cursor on a blank page? Here are some of my best tips for writer’s block, whether you’re trying to write that final seminar paper or type up the results of a lab report:


  1. Plan out when you’ll write

You can try any number of strategies within this suggestion, like calendar blocking and eating the frog. Oftentimes my writing projects are lengthier, not something I could ever knock out in a single writing session, so I try to write myself out flexible writing timelines that are somewhat specific. For example, this semester I have a seminar paper that is being peer workshopped the week before the end of the semester, so about a month and a half before I came up with a plan that detailed everything I would do each particular week to advance my work on that project up until my draft is due. 


  1. Try outlining

If you have thoughts in your head but aren’t exactly sure how to put them down in a coherent string of sentences on the page, try outlining or other forms of mind-mapping! You could use bulleted lists or brainstorms/spider diagrams.


  1. Walk away (literally)

Sometimes you need a fresh mind to tackle a large paper, and sometimes writer's block reaches a point where it just isn’t going to serve you as the writer to continue to spin the wheels of your brain when you don’t have the ideas or the energy. Taking a step away from my laptop and doing something else entirely can be a really helpful way to clear my mind. Sometimes I will take an actual walk, but other times I’ll tackle chores around my house or do anything but stare at my paper. Getting your mind off the actual writing task at hand can be a great way to refocus your mind later when you come back to the project. 


  1. Talk it out

My last tip is to talk to someone, anyone, friends, family, or peers, about what you’re writing about! I’ve found that when I’m too in my head about a topic and feel like I can’t write, but I have ideas generally, talking them out with my partner or friends in my field can be really helpful. Different people can give you different perspectives and even help you reframe and refine the way you’re seeing your project! 


As Kendra posted about a few weeks ago, all a first draft has to be is done! If you’re still in the drafting stage and you hit writer’s block, just know that you aren’t alone and that this is a common experience that happens to almost every writer writing in every genre. I’ve even had writer’s block when writing out emails! It is nothing to feel bad about. Just know that there are strategies to help cope with this common phenomenon and that you aren’t alone.


Do you have any tips on how you overcome writer's block? Feel free to share them in the comments below! 

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